Highly regarded corporate lawyer, Lance Jones, has joined Anthony Harper as a partner in the corporate and commercial team.

Jones has more than 20 years of top tier corporate law experience in New Zealand, Sydney and London with expertise in domestic and cross border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity transactions, complex commercial contracts and shareholder/joint venture arrangements. He joins Anthony Harper after 10 years at one of New Zealand's largest law firms.

Regarded as one of New Zealand's leading experts on the Overseas Investment Act, Jones advises clients on the application of the rules to international and in-bound transactions and is adept at navigating OIO consent processes.

Managing Partner Ed Dunphy says that Jones' appointment emphasises the firm's commitment to providing specialist legal expertise for clients.

"Lance is a technically proficient and pragmatic corporate transactional lawyer who will add significantly to the firm's considerable depth and expertise in both M&A and the Overseas Investment Act space. His international experience and overseas investment expertise will be invaluable to our clients who operate and transact in an increasingly globalised market.

"Lance is also a great fit for Anthony Harper's culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence. We are delighted to welcome him to the firm," Dunphy adds.

Jones is based in Anthony Harper's Tāmaki Makaurau office and is looking forward to contributing to the team.

"I am excited about the challenge and opportunity of contributing to the continued growth of Anthony Harper's national corporate transactional practice and sharing my skills and experience with the team and the firm's valued clients," he says.